Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 43: Caught in the Act

Chapter 43: Caught in the Act

"Huh?"

Lisbeth’s voice sounded so close, piercing through the tense silence that had gripped Riona.

She could hear her own heartbeat pounding in her ears. At that moment, Thorin’s rosy cheeks became insignificant. All she wanted for was a swift exit from this place.

"What is it, darling?" Lady Maris asked. Both her voice and the rustling of her dress drew nearer as she rose from her seat.

"It appears the hanger bar has fallen. Did the servants move it by accident when they put back my dresses?"

"Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll fetch someone to fix it for you," Lady Maris reassured Lisbeth.

Before she could do that, however, a servant entered the room. "My Lady, His Majesty seeks your presence."

That voice must belong to one of Lady Maris’s attendants. After a pause, she added, "Should I inform him you require more time with Her Highness?"

That question was purely out of politeness, and the answer the servant wanted to hear was as clear as the moonlight. She wished Lady Maris would come with her to the king’s office.

No servant would risk defying the vampire king’s summons, regardless of any pretext given.

If the king desired Lady Maris’s audience, he would have it, without delay or excuse.

"No, you shouldn’t bother. I’ll be heading there now. Can you please bring servants to fix the princess’s wardrobe?" Lady Maris instructed.

"But, Mother–" Lisbeth tried to stop Lady Maris with a hint of desperation in her voice. Clearly, there were matters she still wished to discuss with her mother.

"Lisbeth, your father needs me now. You know how he gets—he’ll pout all day if I don’t come immediately after being summoned," Lady Maris explained.

Lisbeth sighed and murmured with resignation, "Alright."

"And don’t worry about the petition. I’ll handle it. You should focus on your training and your upcoming wedding," Lady Maris added.

"Up–" Thorin almost exclaimed, agitated by the unfair and one-sided announcement of a wedding.

Fortunately, Riona was quick to clasp a hand over his mouth, preventing any further outbursts.

Thorin lifted his face to meet her gaze and mouthed, "What?"

"She will hear you!" Riona hissed, trying to keep him quiet.

"But that lady was talking about a wedding I never agreed to!" Thorin whined, sounding like a cranky child.

As Riona wondered if she could handle Thorin’s frustrating tendencies, she reconsidered her plan to ask for his help with the petition.

"She went behind my back with those idiotic nobles just to block my future, and you’re whining about marriage?" Riona snapped, trying to suppress the volume of her voice as best as she could.

She glared at him. "Listen, Wolfie, you should consider yourself lucky if you get to marry Lisbeth. Can’t you see she’s the whole package?"

Riona couldn’t believe she was actually praising Lisbeth while the princess was busy finding the right stake to stab her in the heart with.

And she wasn’t the only one displeased with her unexpected praise of Lisbeth. The Alpha werewolf winced, expressing his feelings loud and clear. He propped himself up on his elbows, his eyes searching her face.

"Did you just compliment her?" he asked, incredulous.

Riona exhaled, unable to find a reasonable excuse for her earlier remark. "Well, it’s the truth," she said, the only defense she could muster.

Their banter was abruptly cut short as the wardrobe door creaked open again. Thorin quickly dropped back down, his weight feeling like a collapsing wall on top of Riona.

She stifled a groan, struggling to breathe under the pressure.

"Hm? I thought I heard something again," Lisbeth muttered.

Riona held her breath, praying Lisbeth would leave soon.

"Ugh, seriously? Why did the hanger bar fall? This is really dangerous."

Lisbeth rummaged through the dresses but got tired shortly after. She groaned and muttered to herself, "Perhaps I should replace the wardrobe, not just the hanger bar. I’ll go talk to Margrave Boris about the purchase."

The princess’s footsteps receded, but as Riona started to move, Thorin pushed her back down.

"What is it?" she whispered.

"She’s still around," Thorin replied, matching her hushed tone.

After a few tense seconds, Thorin cautiously lifted himself and began untangling them from the pile of dresses. He held up a handful of fabric and remarked, "Are all dresses this heavy?"

Climbing out of the wardrobe, Riona responded nonchalantly, "Only the expensive ones."

She twirled, showing off her simple, shabby dress. "Mine isn’t because servants need more room to move. Plus, more fabric means more cost."

"But if you’re so beautiful in servant’s uniform, how much more stunning would you be in an expensive dress?" Thorin teased.

Riona rolled her eyes, recognizing that the playful, teasing Alpha had returned. Ignoring his comment, she resumed her search of the room, though it was clear that she needed to leave before Lisbeth returned.

Seeing her resolve, Thorin walked beside her. "What were they talking about? What is this petition? It is what you wanted me to help you with, right?"

Riona hesitated, biting her lower lip. Should she let him in on her plans? She still wasn’t sure of his true intentions. What if he aimed to destroy the Kingdom of Eira?

In that case, he would likely try to prevent her from joining the Nightwarden, as her presence would only bolster the kingdom’s defenses.

"Didn’t you need my help? As I said, I’d do anything for you. You only need to ask," Thorin asserted.

Despite her reservations, Riona decided to place blind faith in the Alpha werewolf.

After all, she had little to lose. The petition and Margrave Edward’s determination to block her admission to the Nightwarden had already cornered her.

Thorin’s interference wouldn’t change much, but if he proved trustworthy, he might offer a way out.

"As you heard, Lady Maris initiated a petition to protest my admission to the Nightwarden. The nobles have signed it in support. If His Majesty grants the petition, my hope of escaping this palace with Florian will be zero."

Riona revealed more than she intended, sharing a truth she had kept even from Florian.

"Did you apply to be a Nightwarden just to leave the palace? But the palace is open; you can leave anytime," Thorin said, confused.

"Yes, but not with Florian. He’s used to the comfortable life here. Despite being treated like a servant and bullied, he gets enough food and shelter. Without enough money, I wouldn’t dare take him past the gate."

"I don’t understand, Riona. Why must you join the Nightwarden for that? If you marry me, you can leave freely and take your brother with you."

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